Have you considered purchasing or upgrading an industrial diesel generator? Whether to be used as a primary power source or a backup in case of emergency, diesel generators provide excellent off-grid, mobile, or dedicated power sources. However, finding information to help decide what generator is best suited for your business can be difficult and time-consuming. With 40 years of experience working with these products, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help make finding the information you need simple.
Here are 7 Frequently Asked Questions about Industrial Diesel Generators.
How do industrial diesel generators work?
Within a typical diesel generator, you will find a diesel internal combustion engine that is used to drive an electric generator, commonly referred to as an alternator, to produce electrical energy. The alternator creates power by turning mechanical energy into electrical energy, by rotating magnets surrounding a coil. As these magnets spin, they create an alternating current around the coil which is then transformed into usable electrical power by an internal rectifier.
What types of Industrial Diesel Generators are there?
The most common models are either stationary or mobile. They can be further split into the following categories:
- Open generators – Open-Set Generators are built without any form of canopy surrounding them. They do not incorporate any soundproofing elements at the time of purchase. These generators can typically be installed in pre-designated locations, such as a basement or maintenance building, which uses the building itself to help with noise reduction. Alternatively, the generators are designed to be lightweight, small, and portable, without a casing to cause extra weight.
- Canopy generators – Canopy Generators are self-contained generators, commonly seen in construction, agriculture, and other industrial applications. Used to power construction equipment or as a backup generator, they incorporate more soundproofing elements which makes them often visible in public places. Their canopy can also help provide more weather and dust protection, although adhering to manufacturers’ guidelines about working capabilities should always be followed.
- Container generators – These are generators housed within large containers which often supply primary power outputs and are fixed in position. Their size allows them to supply greater power outputs when compared to smaller Canopy-Set generators, although this comes at the cost of mobility.
- Specialist rental range – Rental Generators are generators that have been designed with the Rental or Hire market in mind. They are often designed with the intent of being moved from one location to another, to supply a temporary power solution. They have several forks and lifting points and are often built with features to help with transporting.
What are industrial diesel generators used for?
Industrial diesel generators are versatile sources of power that can function as both primary and backup sources in industrial and commercial environments. They can also be crucial sources of power in off-grid and remote locations, or where a stable power connection is difficult to obtain. Generators can also be used as a fallback during emergencies, such as flooding, heavy snow, or other weather conditions which may disrupt the mains power supply.
What is important when choosing an industrial diesel generator?
Although there are many things which are important when choosing an industrial generator, there are some stand-out factors which will help inform your choice.
Understanding the power output required should be a top priority, as this will ensure the generator output meets the requirements of your equipment. Additionally, selecting a generator which has a record for reliability and ease of maintenance is also important. Some generators such as the JCB RS Rental Range are designed with large opening doors which make routine maintenance as straightforward as possible.
It is also crucial to consider where your generator will be placed, as this can create added requirements for soundproofing or weather resistance if the generator is planned to be placed outside. Of course, considering any safety features installed to improve operational safety, along with any regulations which need to be met is also important when selecting your generator.
How long do industrial generators last?
Diesel generators are renowned for their robustness and durability, and with proper maintenance by trained professionals using genuine parts, they can run for several years. The lifespan of a diesel generator can typically range from 10 to 30 years, depending on the model, how often the machine is used, and what preventative maintenance has been used during the machine’s lifetime.
Are diesel generators loud?
The average noise range for a diesel generator in operation can be around 70-85dB depending on the type of machine and where it is placed. Much of the noise created by diesel generators is caused by internal vibrations when the engine is in operation. In recent years, there has been a significant effort from manufacturers to reduce the levels by incorporating sound-dampening materials, especially within Canopy-Set and Container-Set generators.
Some generators such as the JCB RS Range can run with noise levels as low as 63dB, around as loud as a normal conversation from 1m. This makes these machines ideal for operation in areas where noise considerations or restrictions may exist.
Are diesel generators efficient?
One of the greatest advantages of diesel generators is their high efficiency when compared to other power sources. The high energy density of diesel is one of the key reasons for this when compared to gas and petrol power sources. It means in typical operational levels; Diesel generators can run for longer with less fuel needed. When combined with maintenance and part availability costs, this can make diesel generators more efficient to fit your requirements.
If you would like to find more information about the range of diesel generators available from SIA Compressors and Generators, visit our generators page here to view our full range, or contact one of our team today about stock and availability.
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